Long-tailed Weasel
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Scientific Name:
Mustela frenata Terrestrial
Native
Description
Small, long body with short legs and long tail. Brown upper and yellowish to yellowish white underneath. Chin is white. Tip of tail is black; tip is about 1/3 of tail length. Hair is moderately fine and relatively short.
Range and Habitat
Found from southern Canada to Peru, throughout the United States and Mexico except for a small area in the southwestern region. Highly local in Louisiana. Usually found near water but lives in a wide variety of habitats including brushland and open areas such as woodlands, marshes, swamps, field edges, and riparian (riverbank) grasslands. Dens include burrows abandoned by other species, brush piles, hollow stumps, and tree roots.
Behavior
Feeds mainly on small mammals as well as birds, insects, and other small invertebrates. Males sexually mature in one year. Breeds in July through August. Litters average 4 to 7 but up to 12. Young disperse after 11 to 12 weeks.
Population Status
Ranked as S3 (rare and local) in Louisiana. Threats include agricultural development and monoculture farming, wetland drainage, and pesticide use.
More Information/References